LIVE | Parliament resumes hearings into police corruption and political interference claims
Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee tasked with probing widespread allegations of police corruption has resumed its crucial hearings, delving deeper into testimonies that reveal disturbing claims of interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The investigation was sparked by explosive revelations made on July 6 by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Speaking at a press conference, Mkhwanazi exposed the infiltration of a deeply entrenched criminal syndicate within the SAPS and the broader criminal justice framework.
His accusations sent shockwaves through the political and law enforcement communities.
Central to Mkhwanazi’s allegations was the role of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, whom he implicated in dismantling the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), a specialized unit tasked with investigating politically motivated murders.
According to Mkhwanazi, the disbandment was orchestrated to protect criminal syndicates with political ties, thereby undermining efforts to combat corruption and lawlessness.
The parliamentary committee has since been meticulously reviewing statements from various key figures in the security sector.
Among those who have testified are National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, both of whom offered insights into the extent of corruption and institutional challenges facing the SAPS.
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele also appeared before the committee, providing testimony that has been keenly analysed for indications about the political dimensions of the alleged corruption networks.
The committee has further heard from Cassel Mothale, whose input has added another layer of complexity to the inquiry.
Given his central role in the scandal, suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu’s testimony was also heard last week, where he denied the allegations leveled against him.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics